New or Second Hand Ultrabook

MasterScythe on 22/10/2014 - 09:39
Last edited 22/10/2014 - 09:43

Well, almost ultrabook… super portable is the key here, not intels personal designation.

I have two options in front of me; an ASUS UX32VD; second hand for $550.
http://www.asus.com/au/Notebooks_Ultrabooks/ASUS_ZENBOOK_UX3…
Or
a Brand New Gigabyte R3, for $1099
http://www.gigabyte.com.au/products/product-page.aspx?pid=51…

Yep… double the price…. ouch.

I have two requirements; play DOTA2 at native resolution without any lag, no matter how big the battle. (I play with AA off, since I have a vision disability, I dont notice that) So both should tick that box; the ASUS 'just' does, and the gigabyte easily.

and Two, battery life. Unfortunately the R3 doesn't have any reviews out yet; so I don't know its battery life.
The ASUS has severely conflicting results; the most 'honest' I could find was a guy saying he got 6 hours with the latest firmware\drivers, with screen @ 70% surfing the net. But when I google, I see reports as low as sub 3 hours.

I'd be getting non touch; as such the 1600x900 of the gigabyte is nice to me (as above, vision disability; 1080p needs scaling on my 27" monitor at home) but the cost is just that little high…

If you had (preferably quite a bit under) $1000 to spend on a laptop; with my above two main requirements; what would you buy?
(would also like HD+ or FHD, and less than 2.3kg).

Computing

Comments

  • mrmarkau67 on 22/10/2014 - 09:58

    Non Apple laptops depreciate fast. Unless you stumble on an amazing deal, always buy used/reconditioned/refurbished.

    The nice thing about the Asus UX32VD is that if it doesn't work out for you, you should be able to sell it for close to what you paid for it.

  • MasterScythe on 22/10/2014 - 10:00

    I thought that, but I never sell anything. I always think I will; then I dont.
    but 50% the price is alluring.

    Where does Gigabyte send their refurbished stock?

  • MasterScythe on 22/10/2014 - 10:14

    The other option of course is somethign like this
    http://www.logicalblueone.com.au/store/577-horize-w230ss-cle…

    at 1600x900 (perfect 2:1); but notebookcheck shows the screen is HORRIBLY reflective…. :(

    • Randxyz123 on 22/10/2014 - 11:22
      -1

      Why not a MacBook air?

      • morpheu on 22/10/2014 - 12:13

        ah, OP said he wants to game with DOTA2, and as great as Mac Airs are they are not for gamers, you need to go for the higher end MBP with discreet gpu for way more $$$

    • endotherm on 22/10/2014 - 15:16

      at 1600x900 (perfect 2:1)

      Someone needs to check their maths. Probably a perfect 16:9 though.

  • MasterScythe on 22/10/2014 - 12:21

    Macbook air is also unibody; a personal hatred.
    I should not need to use a Dremel to replace parts.

    The other option is a Latitude 3440 with an i5-4310U and 14.0" HD+ (1600x900) Anti-Glare screen for shy of $700?

    Im having a hard time finding a benchmark for the i5 4310u and DOTA2 though. anyone have this chip or even a 4300u that they can benchmark?

  • Rorschach on 22/10/2014 - 13:13

    As I found at OzB, the Dell factory outlet has some pretty good deals on refurbs:
    http://www.dell.com/learn/au/en/audhs1/campaigns/dell-outlet…

    No XPSs available at the moment, but these lists do vary on a daily. There are some good Latitudes in there as well. The Inspirons, though heavily spec'ed, don't seem to have good reviews.

    I'm looking for a slim 1080p machine myself. Contemplating a MBA as well, wish they had better screens!

    • mrmarkau67 on 22/10/2014 - 14:14

      You'd better have good eyes if you want 1080p at 13".

  • MasterScythe on 22/10/2014 - 13:30

    Thats where i saw that latitude; at sub $700; HD+ screen and less than 2kg I'm tempted.

    4310U should DOTA2 OK I hope….

    • mrmarkau67 on 22/10/2014 - 14:25

      That Latitude is way different to the other models you mentioned - its not anything like an Ultrabook. Rebranded Vostro?

      • MasterScythe on 22/10/2014 - 14:45

        Yep. but it's still 14" HD+, can (maybe) dota2 near max, is about 2kg (current laptop is 2.55kg), and gets 6+hrs battery life..

        plus half the price

  • MasterScythe on 22/10/2014 - 17:57

    So I went and saw it in person.

    keyboard is nice; not great, but nice.
    It however, is NOT backlit, despite Gigabytes download manual explaining how to turn the backlight on and off (the hell?).
    The screen is 'Polished Matte' so very smooth, but completely non reflective.

    The weight is nice, but not as amazing as I expected. The difference between 1.6kg, and 2.55kg is nothing! They'd both be a bitch to carry long distances without a car, and when I travel my bags are never '1kg close' to the limit….
    I think my reservations on weight just went out the window.
    The thin was nice though……

    The I had what I feared; even if I bought it, its $1k worth of equipment! what if I drop it! sit on it? get it wet?
    It's too much money I think…. My best bet will be something cheaper; but there has to be a sweet spot somewhere…..

    If I can guarantee my few games will run on that DELL I'll be happy.

  • mrmarkau67 on 23/10/2014 - 09:08

    I feel the same way as you about carrying around expensive gear. See we go for refurbed macbook airs (super tough) and refurbed Dell Latitude/Precision (tough, cheap and upgradable but heavy).

    Another thought: Will the seller of the Asus let you try dota on it?

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